Chemtron ST20 Large-Scale Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The Chemtron ST20 Large-Scale Rotary Evaporator is an industrial-grade, high-capacity benchtop or floor-standing system engineered for reproducible solvent removal, concentration, and purification under controlled vacuum and thermal conditions. Based on the fundamental principle of reduced-pressure evaporation—where lowering the system pressure decreases the boiling point of solvents—the ST20 enables gentle, efficient separation of volatile components from thermally sensitive or high-boiling matrices. Its design integrates a robust glass/PTFE wetted-path architecture, compliant with ISO 9001-manufactured components and aligned with GLP laboratory infrastructure requirements. The system operates across a wide operational envelope: from ambient pressure up to full vacuum (8 mbar absolute), with precise bath temperature control up to 150°C using dual 1.5 kW heating elements (total 3 kW), and rotation speeds adjustable between 10 and 150 rpm. A fail-safe hydraulic bath descent mechanism activates automatically upon power loss, preventing thermal degradation of evaporating samples—a critical safety feature for unattended operation in regulated environments.

Key Features

• High-integrity sealing system constructed entirely from maintenance-free PTFE and borosilicate glass (DIN/ISO 3585), ensuring chemical resistance across acidic, basic, and organic media
• Touchscreen HMI interface providing real-time digital monitoring and closed-loop control of bath temperature (setpoint & actual), vapor temperature (via optional probe), rotation speed (setpoint & feedback), and absolute vacuum pressure
• Integrated vacuum controller with 1 mbar resolution and ±5 mbar accuracy; compatible with external vacuum pumps and inert gas backfilling for oxygen-sensitive applications
• Hydraulically actuated lift system with programmable vertical travel (up to 200 mm), enabling automated distillation cycles and safe emergency bath retraction
• Dual-zone PID temperature regulation with PT100 sensors in both heating bath and condenser jacket (when equipped), supporting water or silicone oil as heat transfer media
• 3 kW total heating capacity distributed at ≤3 W/cm² surface density, minimizing thermal gradients and enhancing bath homogeneity

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ST20 accommodates sample volumes of 6 L, 10 L, or 20 L via interchangeable evaporation flasks and receiving flasks—all manufactured from Class A borosilicate 3.3 glass (ASTM E438 Type I, Class A). All fluid-contact surfaces are either glass or PTFE-lined, eliminating metal ion leaching and enabling compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., chlorinated hydrocarbons, strong acids/bases) and pharmaceutical intermediates. The system conforms to CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. When operated with validated SOPs and audit-trail-enabled software (via optional Chemtron LabControl Suite), it supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures, as well as ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability protocols.

Software & Data Management

The embedded touchscreen controller logs time-stamped operational parameters—including bath temperature, vacuum level, rotation speed, and runtime—at user-defined intervals (1–60 s). Data export is supported via USB flash drive in CSV format for integration into LIMS or ELN platforms. Optional Chemtron LabControl Suite (v3.2+) adds remote monitoring over Ethernet/Wi-Fi, automated method sequencing, electronic signature workflows, and full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including user access levels, change history, and immutable audit trails. All temperature and vacuum setpoints can be locked with password protection to prevent unauthorized parameter modification during GMP production runs.

Applications

• Continuous and batch solvent recovery in API manufacturing (ICH Q5, Q7)
• Low-temperature extraction of thermolabile phytochemicals (e.g., cannabinoids, terpenes) under <15 mbar
• Concentration of polymer solutions prior to GPC analysis
• Removal of residual solvents from cosmetic emulsions per ISO 22716 guidelines
• Crystallization seeding and mother liquor concentration in fine chemical synthesis
• Distillative purification of catalysts and ligands in homogeneous catalysis R&D
• Dehydration of hygroscopic intermediates without decomposition
• Scale-down validation of pilot-plant rotary evaporation processes (QbD-aligned)

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended operating temperature for the heating bath when using silicone oil?
The bath is rated for continuous operation up to 150°C with certified HT silicone oils (e.g., Dow Corning 200 Fluid, viscosity ≥50 cSt). Thermal stability limits of the oil—not the instrument—govern upper temperature use.
Can the ST20 be integrated into a centralized vacuum network?
Yes, the vacuum inlet features a standard DN25 KF (ISO-K) flange and includes a built-in vacuum regulator; it supports connection to central lab vacuum systems with pressure modulation capability.
Is the condenser cooled passively or actively?
The standard air-cooled condenser provides 0.5 m² effective surface area; optional recirculating chiller coupling (via 10 mm quick-connect fittings) enables active cooling down to –20°C for high-volatility solvents.
Does the system support automatic distillation endpoint detection?
Not natively; however, third-party conductivity or IR-based endpoint modules can be interfaced via analog 0–10 V or Modbus RTU for adaptive termination logic.
What documentation is supplied for IQ/OQ validation?
Factory-issued IQ/OQ protocol templates, calibration certificates for PT100 sensors and vacuum transducer, and material compliance declarations (RoHS, REACH, FDA 21 CFR 177.2440 for PTFE) are included with each unit.